Rajiv Sathyanarayan from EPGP batch 2015- 16 has shared tips and tricks for IIMB EPGP interview, based on his experience last year. Rajiv holds a B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering and has over nine years of experience in technology consulting for retail sector.

Interview TipsA salient feature of the EPGP admission interview at IIM Bangalore is - you're the master of how your interview shapes up. In order for you to be able to demonstrate that you're the right fit in the 10-30 minutes you get with the panel, you must work well in advance.

A typical interview will start off with introductions (Tell me about yourself), followed by questions about your job, career progression, key achievements at your job and why you chose to get into an MBA program now and how IIM Bangalore is a good fit. However, this is just a rule and there are ample exceptions. Some panelists may throw a googly at you as soon as you start, trying to unsettle you in order to gauge your reaction. Note how the interview is structured similar to the MBA essay / statement of purpose you write for most B-schools.

To be a master of your interview and drive it in the direction you want to, you must start your preparations early. One of the strongest ways to put across a strong candidature is to be clear, concise and consistent in the documents you submit to your B-school: your application, your Curriculum Vitae, and your essays. Make sure you bring out your strengths, key accomplishments (both work and non-work related) and hobbies in the application. This will not only give the right information to the admission panel, but also help you drive the interview in the direction you're most comfortable with. Further, since getting into an MBA program after over 5 years of work experience is a major decision, make sure you've done your introspection into where you see yourself 5/10 years from now, and how an MBA from IIM Bangalore can help you achieve your goals.

Sunil Krishnan from EPGP batch 2015-16 has shared his IIMB EPGP interview experience from last year. Sunil holds a B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering and has over nine years of experience in IT project management.

Interview ExperienceThe interview in IIM Bangalore for the EPGP is not an interview, but more like a general discussion. As all the prospective students have substantial experience the interview is always focused towards the individual's work experience. I personally felt my interview went very well and would have been disappointed if I have not received a call. The total interview time was around 30 minutes and below are some of the key questions asked. My panel consisted of an economic professor, a strategy professor and an Ex-Alumni (Also as many of you must be aware that before the interview we had to write an impromptu essay)

Q. In your SOP you have described yourself as Independent, Diligent etc.. How can you prove this in academics and work

A . My answer was more towards work rather than academics as my academics are not that great. I provided instances of my work which have shaped my personality in the last 9 years. I took each of the adjectives mentioned in my SOP and explained it with an example at work

Q. How have macroeconomic factors affected my work

A . This was a little tough to answer initially as I had not prepared for such a question. So in this instance I used my Trump card.(Everyone needs a trump card - The best thing that you have done in your job. This trump card should be used at the right time during the interview). I think people were happy with my response here, as this instance involved my work that I had done in US

Q . Next question was related to the previous question wherein I was asked on Finance (Like securitization, credit card)

A . As I belonged to the credit card domain, I was able to answer clearly, but they wanted to me to explain it without any financial jargon. I managed somehow, but it was tough

Q. Next question was on the 2007-2008 recession that happened. The reasons for it and who was responsible

A. Again related to my work and I was able to answer it with some difficulty as I had not prepared for it. But I think I at least got the high-level concepts correct.

NO QUESTIONS ON WHY MBA!!!

These 4 questions and answers took about 30 minutes and if time permits you can also ask some questions in the end. Questions were mostly related to my work and thankfully not very abstract. I hope the above write up helps. Good luck for your interview!!

Here is what Abhinav Kashyap, EPGP 2015-2016 student has to say: "My experience is predominantly in B2B (Business to Business) and B2C (Business to Customer) sales for the high-end segment of the real estate industry. Attending the EPGP course at IIM, Bangalore has been one of the best decisions. The sheer depth of experience and wealth of knowledge that one is exposed to, in the form of the faculty and peers is truly unmatched. The lucid mix of academic classroom learning, case-based study approach, insightful projects and hearty peer interaction is exemplary. The EPGP classroom is nothing short of a sea of experience where there is as much to learn outside the classroom, as much as there is inside. The course is an excellent launchpad for managers looking for that shift which differentiates them from others and prepares them to be business leaders of the future."

"I worked in the health-care industry for more than 9 years tillering my path in the evolving sector of emergency health care services. The journey kindled superlative inquisitiveness in my mind about various facets of the business world. IIM B endeavour of mine is a result of the same.

At IIM B, the first revelation was that IIM-B's education was much beyond classrooms. Interaction with faculty enriches us to the core as we get best of the worlds of academic, research, with insights into real world problems & practices. Diversity in my class has brought in a unique blend of identities, experiences & discernment. Together we work towards excruciatingly demanding, seemingly intractable goals and in the process achieve unparalleled and engaging learning experience. The journey has initiated us into a transformation that will help us to emerge better and stronger. Studying for exams, data mining for projects, innovative thinking for bringing in solutions to business challenges through case studies has become my schedule. The story does not end here as it is just the beginning. Working for social causes with Prayaas, trying my hand at acting skills at drama club & end-term parties are integral part of the queer hyperactivity and buzz all around. It's just that we are getting blended into the IIM B way that is becoming part of our DNA!